Non-destructive testing methods to quantify joule heating induced degradation in carbon fibre reinforced polymers

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Dikwal, Kwopnan and Tunukovic, Vedran and Mohseni, Ehsan and Jones, Catherine and Tant, Katherine M.M. and Wathavana Vithanage, Randika Kosala and MacLeod, Charles Norman and Munro, Gavin and Pierce, Gareth (2025) Non-destructive testing methods to quantify joule heating induced degradation in carbon fibre reinforced polymers. In: 62nd Annual British Conference on NDT, 2025-09-09 - 2025-09-11, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

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Abstract

Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) composites are extensively used for modern aerospace structures for their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. A parallel technology supporting decarbonisation of aviation is increased electrification of power and propulsion systems. However, due to its poorly understood electrical response, and associated mechanical degradation from Joule heating, systems design ensures that CFRP structures do not conduct electrical current. This leads to over-engineered solutions. This research develops a diagnostic framework that integrates ultrasonic Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) with varied electrical loading conditions for the early detection and characterization of electrical degradation in aerospace-grade CFRP. In this study, quasi-isotropic carbon-fibre/epoxy laminates were subjected to controlled electrical currents of up to 5 A, raising local temperatures to 30oC, 20oC, and 10oC below and above the glass transition temperature (Tg), of the polymer matrix. Real-time infrared thermography monitors temperature during conduction. Post-conduction phased array ultrasonic testing assesses thermal damage relative to Tg. Phased array ultrasonic testing enables waveform features from A, B and C scans to be correlated with internal damage and conductivity, non-contact, and non-destructive characterization. Visual changes and changes in electrical properties. Initial NDE results indicate threshold temperatures and associated current levels for delamination.

ORCID iDs

Dikwal, Kwopnan, Tunukovic, Vedran ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3102-9098, Mohseni, Ehsan ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0819-6592, Jones, Catherine ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7524-5756, Tant, Katherine M.M., Wathavana Vithanage, Randika Kosala ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1023-2564, MacLeod, Charles Norman ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4364-9769, Munro, Gavin and Pierce, Gareth ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0312-8766;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)